Man from Andhra Pradesh, 2-year-old daughter killed in explosion after suspected gas leak in Gujarat’s Kutch

Police said the explosion took place when Kavita attempted to light the gas stove in the morning, adding the blast was so powerful that it sent the doors and windows of one of the rooms, where the father-daughter duo was sleeping, flying onto the walls of a neighbouring house.

MJ Christian, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of the SC/ST Cell, who is also in charge of Bhuj Division of Kutch West Police, told The Indian Express, “While we first thought the fire was caused by the AC, the FSL has found that the explosion and resultant fire was caused by a gas leakage in the house.”

The DySP said, “The FSL (Forensic Sciences Laboratory) team found that there was a leakage in the gas pipe running from the LPG cylinder to the stove. The gas must have leaked through the night when the house was entirely closed. The explosion took place when Kavita woke up in the morning and attempted to light the stove.”

DySP Christian said, “Investigation has found that Kavita had opened the window in the kitchen before lighting the stove, possibly letting out the gas in the process. However, with the fan running in the bedroom where the rest of the family was asleep, it is believed that a lot of gas accumulated there, leading to the explosion and subsequent fire which took the lives of the man and his daughter.”

The police are still attempting to obtain details of the family and attempting to contact the next of kin. However, this has proven difficult due to the destruction of most of the house and the only surviving member of the family under treatment, said sources. Kavita, who was admitted to Aryan Hospital, is said to be out of danger.

An accidental death report has been filed in the matter and further probe is underway, officials said.